Hamid Karzai Renews Call For Reopening Girls' Schools And Universities

In an Eid al-Adha message, Karzai said Afghanistan's development and prosperity depend on a united and educated society, expressing hope that girls would soon regain access to education and that women and professional specialists would be able to participate fully in social and professional life.

The former president described Afghanistan as a shared home for all citizens and said every Afghan should feel ownership and belonging in the country regardless of political or social differences.

Karzai also stressed the importance of education, knowledge, and the training of skilled professionals for the country's future, saying Afghanistan's long-term stability depends on investing in human capacity.

In another part of his message, he expressed sympathy with families affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall in several Afghanistan provinces and called on humanitarian organizations and citizens to continue supporting flood victims and returning refugees.

He also remembered victims of Pakistani airstrikes and artillery attacks and extended condolences to their families amid continued tensions along parts of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The Taliban have continued to impose severe restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including bans on secondary and university education and limitations on employment and medical training opportunities.

International organizations have repeatedly warned that restrictions on women's education and participation are worsening Afghanistan's humanitarian and economic crisis, where millions already face poverty, unemployment, and aid dependency.

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